Submarine canyon: A brief review

Earth's surface configuration is in constant change due to geomorphic processes in operation. These processes are responsible for initiating several features such as channels, drainage basins, incised valleys, and submarine canyons. The understanding of these features is paramount for an accurate assessment of biological, environmental and geologic activities on land and in the sea. This article is a review of submarine canyons with overview of their geomorphic processes which discusses the origin, types and processes within canyons. Working with a compiled highly published materials of the world's most famous submarine canyons, this paper documents the historical evolution of the canyons over time and the different processes acting in the development of these canyons. From this study, the major factor controlling canyon creation is the seal level change. Turbiditic flow, and tectonics (faults and folds) favours canyon development. Canyon geometry can be both U-shaped, V-shaped or both depending on the tectonic or erosional influence. Although several works have been done on submarine canyon, the issue of submarine canyon evolution through time is minimal and accurate fluvial to canyon head connections are still a challenge. More focus on the stratigraphic and source to sink study of canyon systems can help give clue on the ages of canyons and the type of facies contained in it. This could be of benefit to the oil and gas industry in reservoir explorations.